I have read many interesting books by the author and psychotherapist Irvin Yalom, and one of my favorites is a book I got as a graduation present from a friend who is also an art therapist: “The Gift of Therapy, an open letter to a new generation of therapists and their patients”.
In this book, Yalom tries to address the many changes in thought that re-define modern psychotherapy. Written in the form of short “advice” chapters, Yalom talks about a new approach to being with a patient (or client in the modern lingo); showing true compassion for the other, displaying emotion, really caring for the clients and allowing them to matter to us as therapists and as people.
Packed full of meaningful advice by a senior psychotherapist and a master writer, “The Gift of Therapy” is a wonderful read for anybody in the helping profession.